Hundreds of apprentices secure full time roles

Nearly 500 young people have been secured jobs as part of an apprenticeship programme run by Staffordshire County Council.

One of the success stories is Sean Houghton from Stone, who started his in Business Administration apprenticeship in 2010. Now aged 24, he has secured a full time position with the council’s Fleet Care division.

Sean said: “I had been working as a chef since the age of 16, and by the time I had turned 20 it had become clear it wasn’t the career for me. I wanted to change career paths, but I found it very difficult as nobody wanted to take a chance on a person without relevant experience and qualifications.

The apprenticeship route has been great for me and given me the confidence, skills and qualifications to achieve my ideal job. I enjoy my work a great deal and the daily challenges it can bring. The experience I have gained here has been invaluable and I look forward to many more years work and progressing even further.”